What happens when you blend elite-level strength coaching with genuine heart for community?

This week, we’re joined by the enigmatic Dave Hembrough—founder of Mettle, long-time strength coach, and a man with one of the most grounded, virtuous philosophies in the game. Whether it’s coaching Olympic lifters, youth athletes, or complete beginners, Dave leads with values first—and that’s what sets him and Mettle apart.

In this episode, we cover:

• - How Dave fell in love with Olympic lifting and coaching

• - His purpose statement—and how to define your own

• - Why coaching with values—not ego—is a game changer

• - How he's guiding his daughter Nina into the world of sport and movement with care and intention

• - What makes an effective sporting parent (and how to support your child without pressure)

• - Why the world needs more virtuous thinkers in fitness and beyond

• - His experience working with Olympic-level athletes and national sports teams

• - The future of Mettle and how it’s redefining strength training as a vehicle for social change

• - His role at Sheffield Hallam—blending academic insight with hands-on performance coaching (a "pracademic")

• - How youth and community programs at Mettle are lifting more than just weight

• Whether you're a coach, a parent, or just someone passionate about people-first performance, this one is a masterclass in purpose-led leadership.

  
  

• #PurposefulParenting

  #StrengthInValues

  #RaisingGoodHumans

  #FitWithHeart

  #CommunityThroughSport

If you're a personal trainer (or thinking about becoming one), this episode is a must.

This week on the Fit Dads Podcast, Ryan & Brad are joined by Dave Ireson, founder of Envisage Training, an industry leader in fitness education and one of the most respected voices in the coaching space.

With over 30 years in the game, Dave brings a powerful combo of lived experience, professional insight, and sincere honesty about what it really takes to thrive in the fitness industry today.

We get into:

The future of personal training (and what needs to change)

What makes a great course—and how Envisage set the bar

From burnout to business - the real challenges PT's face in 2025

Dave’s own journey — from setbacks to setting up his own education company

How coeliac disease changed his personal health approach

Parenting a child with type 1 diabetes—and the perspective it brings

Whether you're a previous Envisage learner, brand new to the industry or 10 years deep and still learning, this one’s for you. Expect real talk, practical advice, and some seriously inspiring stories.

Check out Envisage Training to discover their upcoming courses→ envisagetraining.co.uk

#PersonalTrainerLife

#FitnessEducation

#CoeliacAwareness

#Type1Strong

#CoachToCoach

Tips, Tactics & Ryan's Glasgow Experience with Dan Smith

Whether you've got one planned or are thinking about jumping into Hyrox doubles... This episode is for you!

The Fit Dads were joined by the ever-inspiring Dan Smith as they break down everything you need to know about competing in Hyrox Doubles event.

This is our second time covering a Hyrox topic (check out our first episode here) and we dive deeper into the Hyrox format—which combines 8 unique fitness stations with running—and cover everything from event rules to travel tips.

Ryan and Dan reflect heavily on their experience at their recent Glasgow event, sharing their tactical insights and personal takeaways as a Hyrox Doubles team.

Whether you’re prepping for your first doubles race or still figuring out the basics, this episode has got you covered.

If you’ve enjoyed this episode of the Fit Dads Podcast, hit subscribe and leave a rating and review, it helps the show grow and inspires more parents to be their child's hero!

Is overtraining a myth?

How do you spot a bad study?

And should your teenage son be lifting weights?

In this episode, we're joined by the brilliant Dr. Lee Bell – Senior Lecturer in Sport & Exercise Science at Sheffield Hallam University, researcher, coach, and all-round strength science nerd (in the best way possible).

Lee has spent years both in the lab and on the gym floor, and now helps shape the next generation of coaches and sport scientists while staying hands-on with real-world training.

We dive into:

• - What separates a good study from a dodgy one

• - How and when to deload your training

• - The truth about overtraining (and why most people aren’t even close)

• - How Lee programmes training for his teenage son

• - What really goes into designing a sports science study

• - The biggest misconceptions about research

• Whether you’re a coach, a dad, a weekend warrior, or just someone who’s confused by fitness “facts” online, this one’s packed with no-nonsense, evidence-based takeaways to level up your approach.

  
  

  Follow and reach out to Dr Lee Bell on Instagram: @‌lee3ell

  #EvidenceBasedTraining #StrengthScience #OvertrainingMyths #SmartLifting #TrainForLife

Massage, Physio & TikTok with George Leatherland (Geo Therapy)

Ever wondered what dry needling actually is? Or how to tell if your physio knows their stuff? In this episode of the Fit Dads Podcast, Ryan & Brad are joined by George Leatherland— the man behind Geo Therapy and one of the most engaging physiotherapists on social media.

With a strong following on TikTok (@‌GeoTherapy), George breaks down the biggest misconceptions in physiotherapy, shares how his nine years in the RAF shaped his approach, and talks about using social media to educate and empower people about movement, injury, and recovery.

We cover:

• How military life influenced his physiotherapy career

• The biggest red flags when choosing a practitioner

• Why physio is WAY more than just massage

• The power of patient participation in recovery

• What dry needling really does (and if it’s as scary as it sounds!)

• How he balances dad life with a growing business

• Who George believes might benefit from monthly massages

• The most common pains parents face (and how to manage them)

• Where he sees the future of physiotherapy heading

This episode is perfect for anyone considering physio, fitness lovers, and curious minds who want to separate fact from fiction when it comes to pain, movement, and injury recovery.

Follow George on TikTok → @‌GeoTherapy

If you’ve enjoyed this episode of the Fit Dads Podcast, hit subscribe and leave a rating and review, it helps the show grow and inspires more parents to be their child's hero!

#PhysioTips

#InjuryPrevention

#FixYourPain

#MobilityMatters

#SportsRecovery

In this episode, the Fit Dads sit down with Davi Birks—podcaster, biking fanatic, and co-host of The Ride Companion podcast, a show that’s all about pushing limits, sharing stories, and celebrating the world of mountain biking.

From his roots on two wheels to creating a podcast loved by riders everywhere, Davi’s journey is one every biker can relate to.

We dive into:

- How his love for biking started and how it shaped his career
- The story behind The Ride Companion podcast and what makes it a must-listen for biking enthusiasts
- Davi’s entrepreneurial hustle with HKT Products and TRC Media House
- His advice for the next generation of bikers
- How his time in California influenced his approach to life and business
- His biggest injury and the two dramatic air ambulance rescues that even made it on TV!

As a podcaster and passionate rider, Davi has a unique perspective on what it takes to thrive in both the biking world and the podcasting scene.

Whether you're a seasoned rider or have a child who's just starting out, this episode is packed with stories, advice, and plenty of biking culture.

If you’ve enjoyed this episode of the Fit Dads Podcast, hit subscribe and leave a rating and review, it helps the show grow and inspires more parents to be their child's hero!

The youth of today would rather hang out in gyms than at the pub! A stark contrast to generations gone by. When Ryan & Brad came across this article we had to discuss it....

A recent survey carried out by The Gym Group on 2000 Gen Z-ers, highlighted a serious shift in behaviour from Millennials and Generation X with some truly shocking stats.

The MAJORITY of adults born from 1997 to 2012 take a serious interest in their own health and fitness. So we wanted to explore WHY that change has happened.....

Expect to hear how INFLUENCE is one of the main drivers for change, how Gen Z could be "plagued with too much knowledge and opportunity", the problem with comfortable times and why many of the new generation seek out hard things to put themselves through.

Plus, the Fit Dads make their predictions for Harlow & Teddy's "generation Alpha" and what may change as our own kids grow up.

If you’re enjoying the Fit Dads Podcast, hit subscribe and leave a rating and review, it helps the show grow and inspires more parents to be their child's hero!

Are you ready to move fearlessly without the worry of leaks or pain?

In this empowering episode of the Fit Dads Podcast, we sit down with Róisín O'Bentley, founder of Thrive Physiotherapy to explore the essentials of pelvic floor health.

Róisín’s mission is to help her patients understand their bodies and overcome challenges related to all things pelvic health.

Drawing from her personal journey and professional expertise, Róisín shares insights on:

Recognising the signs of a weak or tight pelvic floor

Why leaking isn't normal (and why it became accepted as normal)

The effectiveness of Kegel exercises and common misconceptions

Strategies for postpartum recovery

Why boobs directly impact your pelvic floor

How to tackle pain during sex after childbirth

What you can do to be empowered to take control of your pelvic health

💡 Róisín's Additional Resources:

📌 Bra fitting & lingerie guidance: Boob or Bust | The Perfect Fit

📌 Pelvic health support & physiotherapist directory: POGP

📌 Follow Róisín on Instagram: @the_leaks_lady (formerly @thrivephysio_sheff, changing March 28th)

📌 Join Róisín’s newsletter for monthly pelvic health insights & event updates: Sign Up Here

Tune in now to feel stronger from the inside out! 🎧

If you’ve enjoyed this episode of the Fit Dads Podcast, hit subscribe and leave a rating and review, it helps the show grow and inspires more parents to be their child's hero!

#PelvicFloorHealth

#PelvicFloorExercises

#BladderLeakage

#PelvicPainRelief

#PelvicHealthPodcast